Save on the flight to spend more on your hols – Spain’s visitors get savvy

Save on the flight to spend more on your hols – Spain’s visitors get savvy

by Kate Spain
  • Low cost airline passengers to Spain up 14.4% in 2015 (Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism)
  • Tourist spending up 9.5% in January (INE)
  • ‘Ultimate shopping purchase’ seafront apartments available from €262k (Taylor Wimpey España)

Low cost airlines are enjoying a notable boom in passenger numbers on their routes to Spain, according to the latest figures from the Spanish Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism. Some 3.3 million travellers used low cost airlines to get in and out of Spain during the first two months of 2015, up 14.4% on the same period a year earlier.

Passengers from the UK make up around 1/3 of this total, while visitors from Italy, Germany, France and the Netherlands also account for significant proportions of those looking to soak up some Spanish sunshine. The data shows that traditional (non-budget) airlines saw an increase in passengers of just 1.7% over the same period, highlighting the draw that low cost routes have.

New routes are helping to fuel the appetite for cheap flights to Spain. Norwegian has just launched three new Spanish routes from the UK’s Birmingham Airport, flying to Madrid, Malaga and Barcelona. Meanwhile Spanish airport operator Aena has revealed that more than 1 million flights have already been programmed to and from Spain for the summer season, an increase of 3.6% on the 2014 summer season.

A record 65 million tourists visited Spain last year according to the UN World Tourism Organization, enjoying its beaches, weather and cuisine. Now, though, the Iberian country has set its sights on encouraging tourists to spend the money they save on flights in its shops as well as its cafés and restaurants. Turespana’s Angela Castano comments,

“Spain has a major image deficit as a shopping destination.”

Figures from Innov Taxfree certainly back up the statement, showing that the average Chinese tourist in Spain spends €900, while in Paris the figure rises to €1,500.

“Spain is looking to court tourists by promoting its shopping offer this year,” comments Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España. “The country has some fantastic shopping destinations, but many visitors simply overlook the stores in favour of the beaches. Mallorca, for example, has a fantastic high end retail offering, while places like Marbella on the Costa del Sol are packed with retailers, from independent, boutique stores to national and international chains.”

Figures from INE for January 2015 show that the figures are starting to move in the direction that Spain would like. Tourist spending was up 9.5% on the same period last year, with 3.6% more visitors arriving and the average spend per visitor increasing by 5.7%.

Some of those visitors are looking for the ultimate shopping purchase – a property in the sunshine to use as a second home. On Mallorca, Costa Beach at Port Vell provides a selection of apartments on the island’s east coast, with a two bedroom apartment costing from €262,000. Four excellent golf courses are within a ten minute drive of the new resort, while direct beach access offers the ultimate idyllic location.

In Marbella, on the mainland, Los Arqueros Beach offers penthouse apartments from €385,000, just a few minutes’ stroll from the sea. The resort is ideally located for those wishing to enjoy the shopping meccas of Marbella and Puerto Banus, as well as the restaurants and nightlife spread throughout the old town and along the beachfront.

“Increased tourist spending in Spain’s shops is a win for everyone,” concludes Taylor Wimpey España’s Marc Pritchard. “It stimulates the economy, promotes employment and serves to bolster the housing market. It should be a very positive summer for Spain this year as tourists save on their flights in order to spend while they are on holiday here.”

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Hotspots Index: Rome leads European property rebound

Hotspots Index: Rome leads European property rebound

by Kate Cyprus France Greece Italy Portugal Spain
  • Rome most searched-for property location in the world
  • Portugal home to 14 of 50 most searched-for hotspots
  • France, Greece and Cyprus all in top 10

Rome is leading the rebound in demand for European property, reveals new research from TheMoveChannel.com. The portal’s latest interactive Hotspots Index shows that the Italian capital was the most searched-for location in the world in Q1 2015, as overseas buyers flock to the continent.

Rome accounted for 1.48 per cent of location searches in the first three months of the year, climbing one spot in TheMoveChannel.com’s Hotspots Index from Q4 2014. Rome is the first of two Italian hotspots in the Top 10, with Como sliding one place from the previous quarter to seventh place.

Spain soared into the silver spot, with Malaga climbing three places to become the second most searched-for location. While interest surged in the Costa del Sol, demand for the Balearics also boomed, with Mallorca leaping 10 places in the Index to become the third most popular hotspot. Malaga and Mallorca accounted for 1.45 per cent and 1.02 per cent of searches in Q1 2015 respectively.

Portugal followed closely in fourth place, as Albufeira accounted for 0.96 per cent of location searches in the three months to March 2015. With property prices now showing their first signs of rising following the recession, and the Golden Visa scheme encouraging investment from outside of the EU, the Portuguese property market is now the most widely sought-after on TheMoveChannel.com: the country was home to 14 out of the Top 50 hotspots in Q1 2015, up from 11 in Q4 2014.

Spain and Portugal have both enjoyed record levels of enquiries in the past six months, but demand for European property is now spreading across the continent. France made its debut entry in the Hotspots Index Top 10, as the Dordogne received the sixth biggest share of searches (0.81 per cent). Greece also entered the Top 10 for the first time: Corfu jumped 19 places in the chart into eight place.

TheMoveChannel.com Director Dan Johnson comments: “Europe has never been more attractive to overseas buyers than it is now. Mortgage rates are low in France, prices are rising in Portugal, and Spain’s market has bottomed out. With the pound at a seven-year high against the euro, spending power for Brits is exceptionally strong. Greece now accounts for six of the Top 50 hotspots – up from four in Q4 2014. The country’s economic uncertainty could be bad news for the euro, but it is certainly good news for buyers.”

The full top 50 hotspots on TheMoveChannel.com in Q1 2015 is available here.

Notes to Editors

About Lead Galaxy and TheMoveChannel.com

Founded in 1999, www.TheMoveChannel.com is the leading independent website for international property, with more than 800,000 listings in over 100 countries around the world, marketed on behalf of agents, developers and private owners.

TheMoveChannel.com is one of more than a dozen international property sites operated under the Lead Galaxy brand. Lead Galaxy provides online marketing solutions to thousands of property companies worldwide, focusing on portal listings, email marketing, qualified leads, paid search and social media advertising.

The business is headquartered at 24 Jack’s Place, Corbet Place, Shoreditch, London, E1 6NN.
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Easter in Spain – why Mallorca is drawing in the crowds

Easter in Spain – why Mallorca is drawing in the crowds

by Kate Spain
  • Sunshine and temperatures of 20C and upward for Easter on Mallorca (Weather .com)
  • Travellers at Gatwick up 11% on 2014 this Easter (Gatwick Airport)
  • Stunning Costa Beach apartments available from €262k (Taylor Wimpey España)

Easter in the UK is usually a mixed bag of time off work, hyperactive children, threatening rainclouds and enough chocolate to keep Weight Watchers in business until Christmas. Though this combo does have a certain British charm, increasingly the temptations of spending the Easter break overseas are winning over the hearts of those looking for the certainty of sunshine for their precious time off. Some 480,000 travellers are projected to take to the skies via London Gatwick alone this Easter weekend, representing an increase of 11% over 2014’s passenger numbers.

With the Spanish island of Mallorca just a couple of hours’ flight from the UK, long weekends there are easily achievable, as long-term resident Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, observes,

“With such a short flight time, spending Easter in Mallorca is easy for those living in the UK and with temperatures set to remain firmly in the 20s over the course of the long weekend, the Balearics are definitely a tempting prospect for a short getaway.”

Easter in Mallorca is a big event, with processions, feasting and celebrations held across the island. The processions have their origins in the 16th century, when the Christian church set out to present the story of the Passion of the Christ to laypeople through street processions. While the religious element is still strong today, the festival atmosphere is one that those of all denominations can enjoy and the food that accompanies it is something that everyone should experience at least once!

But it is not just Easter that draws the crowds to Mallorca, popular though this time of year is. In fact, the island’s capital, Palma de Mallorca, was recently voted the best place in the world to live by the Sunday Times. The captivating old town, beaches within walking distance and slow-paced charm, intermingled with the modernity of ‘fancy shops’ were among Palma’s winning attributes.

For second home owners, coastal properties on the island are particularly popular, with the areas of Porto Cristo and Port Vell attracting those looking to enjoy the finer side of life on Mallorca. In Porto Cristo, the picturesque Cala Magrana III development is located close to the sea, as well as to nearby golf courses and the stunning Porto Cristo marina. The key ready apartments enjoy generously proportioned terraces and a large swimming pool with sunbathing area is available for all owners to enjoy. Prices begin at €230,000 for a two bedroom apartment – excellent value given the current exchange rate.

Costa Beach at Port Vell, on Mallorca’s eastern coast, is a first line residential complex offering access to white sandy beaches in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The calm, crystal clear sea is perfect for swimming, water sports and exploring the area’s numerous coves. The two and three bedroom properties start at €262,000, with buyers able to personalize the finish of their apartment (completion is due in June 2015).  Spacious terraces, pretty communal gardens and a large pool complete Costa Beach’s charms.

With Spanish Easter celebrations lasting for around 10 days, Mallorca and many other parts of Spain are already in full celebratory mode. Why not leave the chocolate at home and hop on a plane this weekend to see for yourself?

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Spanish mortgage market heats up, with ‘unprecedented’ opportunities for overseas buyers

Spanish mortgage market heats up, with ‘unprecedented’ opportunities for overseas buyers

by Louise Spain
  • New mortgages up 1.6% in 2014 (Spanish National Statistics Institute)
  • Variable rate mortgages trump fixed rates in Spain, with more than 2% difference (Mortgage Direct)
  • Leading portal Kyero.com now lists upwards of 200k properties

New mortgages for Spanish homes rose by 1.6% in volume in 2014, according to data from the Spanish National Statistics Institute, as the market heats up nicely in the wake of an influx of capital from overseas buyers looking to pick up a holiday home at rock bottom price. Both domestic and non-resident buyers are benefitting, as Mortgage Direct’s Kevin Monger observes,

“The market is definitely heating up. Banks are very keen to lend, so inevitably they have become more flexible and are offering better conditions. The conditions we can offer our non-resident clients are now quite similar to those we can offer to Spanish residents/nationals, which is unprecedented in our experience.”

This eagerness to lend – and to clear distressed properties from their books – has seen one bank offering 100% mortgages for new properties, with an additional cashback option of up to 13%. Variable rate mortgages are de rigueur in Spain, with over 95% of customers opting for them, according to Mortgage Direct. While fixed rate mortgages are popular in countries such as the UK, in Spain they remain largely uncompetitive with variable rate options, which tend to offer rates of at least 2% lower.

With overseas buyers included in those able to benefit from mortgages available in Spain, the options facing would-be holiday home owners have improved dramatically over the past year. Martin Dell, Director of leading Spanish property portal, Kyero.com, which now lists more than 200,000 homes from 3,000 estate agents, comments,

“As well as the traditional British market, Spain is also attracting buyers from an increasing number of French speaking countries, as well as further afield. It is a perennially popular country, offering an excellent cuisine, welcoming climate and some of Europe’s most delightful architecture. Second home owners look to Spain for everything from exquisite city apartments in the finest locations to luxury island villas with unrivalled sea views.”

Many buyers are specific in their mortgage requirements, as Kevin Monger points out,

“We do notice that a lot of clients from France and French-speakers from Belgium and Switzerland ask about fixed rates and interest rate caps. Fixed rate mortgages are more prevalent in these countries compared to Spain.”

However, just because they are technically available to foreign buyers doesn’t necessarily mean that those buyers are in for an easy time when it comes to obtaining a Spanish mortgage. Many mortgages for non-residents are complex and time-consuming to apply for and their conditions may change over the lifetime of the mortgage.

“Be sure to consider a range of borrowing options before you commit to buy,” suggests Kyero’s Martin Dell. “Think through the advantages of obtaining a mortgage in your own country as well as those of a mortgage here in Spain. Fixed rate mortgages in Spain, for example, are less attractive for many overseas buyers than they are for Spanish nationals. They are also less attractive than variable rate mortgages, so borrowers need to consider their interest rates carefully and ensure that they shop around for the right mortgage product. Once that part is sorted out, all they need to do is shop around on Kyero for the perfect holiday home in the Spanish sunshine!”

To view properties across Spain available for sale and to keep up to date with the latest in Spanish property trends, visit www.kyero.com.

Marbella leads Spanish property market recovery, with sales up 28% in the past year

Marbella leads Spanish property market recovery, with sales up 28% in the past year

by Louise Spain
  • Property transactions in Marbella up by 28% (National Statistics Institute)
  • City’s longest established real estate agency, Panorama, celebrates 45th anniversary
  • Marbella sales increasing faster than any other area (Ministry of Development)

Newly released figures from the Spanish National Statistics Institute have shown that the exclusive Costa del Sol resort of Marbella is leading the country’s property market recovery, with sales increasing by 28% in 2014. The increase means that property sales in Marbella are now 12% higher than their 2007 peak. In fact, figures from the Ministry of Development show that sales in Marbella have increased faster than in any other city over the last year.

The new figures mark the third year of growth for Marbella, delighting the city’s property sector professionals, workers and business owners in this quality resort area, and leaving the crisis firmly behind. Christopher Clover, Managing Director of Panorama Properties Marbella, the area’s longest established real estate agency, comments,

“We’ve had a busy three years and it has been gratifying to see the property market pick up so swiftly, just as we projected it would. Marbella’s charms are plentiful. The coastline in the region is simply stunning and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the town offers something for everyone. The streets of the old town provide a real flavour of the true Spanish style of architecture, intermingled with tiny shops and restaurants whose exteriors are covered with blossoming Bougainvillea throughout the summer months.”

Despite its reputation as a playground for the rich and famous (George Clooney is rumoured to have purchased a home there last year), Marbella has retained a sense of family values that make it a popular holiday spot for those with young children, as well as older age groups. It is these family values that have helped Panorama to weather the Spanish recession so well and to this year enjoy celebrating its 45th year of selling fabulous properties in the Costa del Sol’s most attractive city.

The agency specialises in providing exceptional properties in this exclusive location. From a brand new mansion with sea views and pool on Marbella’s sought-after golden mile to an ultra luxe contemporary townhouse that is perfect for access to the city’s plethora of shops and restaurants, the theme of Panorama’s properties is one of unique elegance. Christopher Clover adds,

“Marbella is one of the Mediterranean coastline’s most desirable cities when it comes to owning a second home or a retirement property, as it’s great year-round weather provide it with a 12 month season. Demand is strong, especially from buyers living outside of Spain. British buyers adore the resort and we see a lot of buyers from Scandinavia, Germany, France and all of the European countries. Marbella really does have everything that the perfect vacation resort needs, making it the ideal place for buyers to own their dream second home.”

As well as its stunning scenery, fantastic weather and gourmet restaurants, the city enjoys easy access to a range of the Costa del Sol’s attractions. High end golf resorts, the ‘white village’ of Mijas and the beautiful Benahavis Mountains are all readily available, while those who prefer to simply soak up the sun can enjoy the area’s golden sands and warm sea.

With such attractions to offer, it is clear to see why Marbella’s resounding popularity has lead to property transactions there increasing faster than in any other region.

“It gives us double cause for celebration,” Clover concludes. “Not only is Panorama able to celebrate its 45th anniversary this year, but Marbella has once again shown that it is the most sought-after location in the whole of Spain. With so much going for it, I am sure that Panorama will still be going strong here in another 45 years’ time.”

For more information, visit www.panorama.es, email info@panorama.es or call (+34) 952 863 750.

Favourable FX rate sees Brits eyeing up luxury homes and yachts in Mallorca

Favourable FX rate sees Brits eyeing up luxury homes and yachts in Mallorca

by Louise Spain
  • GBP/EUR exchange rate reaches 7.5 year peak (Currency News)
  • Balearic property transactions up 29.2% in 2014 (Spanish government)
  • Luxury beach properties from €230,000 (Taylor Wimpey España)

With the sterling to euro exchange rate hovering around the 1.39/1.40 mark, having this month reached the best rate in more than 7.5 years, many Brits are seeing now as the perfect time to invest in luxuries across Europe and in Mallorca, luxury shopping is easy to do. The largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca offers high end goods at high end prices from designer clothes to yachts.

With the favourable exchange rate, Mallorca’s temptations have become even more attractive to British buyers and many keen sailors are looking to do the double while the price is right and buy that holiday home and yacht that they have always dreamed of. The forthcoming pensions freedom day in the UK makes the proposition even more exciting.

Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España and resident of Mallorca comments,

“Mallorca is known for its idyllic climate, stunning beaches and fantastic sailing clubs. Porto Cristo is one of the most beautiful places on the island and a popular marina with those stopping off for a day or two of shopping and with those looking to spend longer periods of time on Mallorca.”

Mallorca is a favourite of the sailing community and the island frequently hosts world cups, regattas and other events. From serious competitions to regattas held purely as social events to celebrate a love of sailing, the calm waters and glorious sunshine of Mallorca position it perfectly as a host island.

Many of those who visit Mallorca are quickly drawn in by its unique charms and discover it is the perfect location for the second home they have always dreamed of. Property sales on the island are on the up. In fact, transactions across the Balearic Islands increased by 29.2% from 2013 to 2014, according to data from the Spanish government.

Property on Mallorca offers incredible value for money in light of the current exchange rate. Taylor Wimpey España’s stunning Cala Anguila II site, where prices start at €245,000 for a two bedroom apartment, is just 3 km from Porto Cristo. One of the last remaining developments with direct access to the beach on the island, it features high end apartments arranged in small clusters around generously proportioned communal pools. Designer fixtures and fittings, air conditioning, double glazing and security doors are all included as standard.

Also near Porto Cristo, Cala Magrana III, where two bedroom apartments cost from €230,000, is just 600m from the beautiful Cala Anguila beach. The apartments enjoy spacious terraces, gardens and/or roof terraces, with key ready properties that are perfect for those looking to make their Balearic dream come true.

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Tantalise your taste buds with a timely trip to Mallorca

Tantalise your taste buds with a timely trip to Mallorca

by Louise Spain
  • Spanish supermarket sales expected to rise in 2015 (Kantar Worldpanel)
  • Spring fairs and Easter feasts held across Mallorca, including local produce markets and annual Pollensa Wine Fair in April
  • Test out your Balearic culinary skills in your own kitchen with a luxury second home from Taylor Wimpey España

The economic crisis affected countless areas of life in Spain and one of the hardest hit sectors was the food and services sector. Quite simply, a struggling economy meant families were eating out less and cutting down their weekly shopping bills. Restaurants failed as their clientele dwindled and Spain’s supermarkets saw sales drop by 2.9% in 2014.

However, a new report from Kantar Worldpanel has shone a beacon of hope onto the Spanish supermarket sector, predicting a modest recovery in sales volumes over the course of 2015 as shoppers relax their budgets slightly and begin adding treats to the trolley once more.

The quest for value has seen many shoppers turn away from the big stores to local food outlets and markets instead, where they can shop more often and spend a little at a time. It’s a habit that promotes economy and reduces waste. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, has observed the trend on his home island of Mallorca. He comments,

“There’s definitely a focus on buying local produce right now. For some shoppers, it makes sound economic sense. For others, it’s a matter of environmental concern, with buying local produce offering a way to reduce their carbon footprint. At this time of year, the spring fairs will soon be underway here on Mallorca, and many locals and visitors to the island will be keen to sample the tasty treats that the myriad local markets provide.”

Spring is also the time for Mallorca’s Pollensa Wine Fair, which allows visitors to try a range of wines from Mallorca and the other Balearic Islands in the atmospheric setting of the Claustre del Convent de Santo Domingo. Held in April each year, the event calls out to those who know their wines, from local connoisseurs to second home owners looking to stock up on refreshing local vintages.

Easter’s arrival is also an important time for the Spanish food industry. Rich, wine and honey-soaked torrijas, chocolate Monas de Pascua, sesame and honey pastries, Easter doughnuts and sweet, crunchy flores do Semana Santa provide a delicious gastronomic tour of this important event in the Spanish religious calendar.

One of the delights of owning a holiday home is the ability to experiment with cooking local produce, which those staying in hotels can only enjoy by eating out. Taylor Wimpey España’s homes have been designed with buyers’ stomachs firmly in mind, with high end kitchens encouraging families to enjoy the host of delicious produce on offer and outdoor terraces that are perfect for long, relaxing meals as day slowly melts into night.

At Cala Anguila II at Porto Cristo, where prices start at €245,000, the two bedroom apartments are part of one of the last remaining developments with direct beach access in Mallorca. This peaceful development is close to the bustling shops and supermarkets of Porto Cristo, ensuring that owners can enjoy shopping locally and stocking up their well-appointed kitchens. The coastal location means that locally caught seafood is in plentiful supply, though those who don’t fancy tackling a lobster in their own kitchen may prefer to opt for one of the area’s many excellent restaurants!

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Rapidly expanding market drives up property employment in Spain

Rapidly expanding market drives up property employment in Spain

by Louise Spain
  • Property employment in Spain expected to rise from 7% to 10% by 2020 (KPMG)
  • Leading developer Taylor Wimpey España takes on new recruits on Mallorca and beyond
  • Mallorca sees 1 in 3 properties bought by foreign buyers (Association of Property Registrars)

Spain’s property market is expanding rapidly once more, with the latest figures from the Spanish notaries showing a 19% year on year jump in the number of properties sold there during 2014. Prices are on the up too, with the Ministry of Public Works reporting a rise of 0.5% in Q4 2014, the first uptick in the market since 2008.

The positive movement in the market looks set to continue, with KPMG predicting that the number of jobs in the Spanish property sector will rise from the current level of 7% to reach 10% or workers by 2020. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of leading Spanish homebuilder Taylor Wimpey España, certainly believes that will be the case. He comments,

“We’re seeing property employment rise across Spain right now. Taylor Wimpey España has taken on six new employees in the last few weeks alone and the expanding property market should see additional increases in jobs over the course of 2015 and beyond. Right now, foreign demand for Spanish property is soaring and employment in hotspots like Mallorca is increasingly rapidly as a result.”

Property in Mallorca is so popular with overseas buyers that the Association of Property Registrars in the Balearics has reported a tripling in the number of foreign-bought homes, with 30.7% of homes sold in the islands picked up by non-Spanish buyers. And it is the luxury end of the market that is attracting keen interest, with 15% of purchases topping €500,000 (compared with a Spanish average of just 5%). Wealthy foreigners have taken such an interest in the island that the president of Mallorca’s marketing board has proclaimed the airport didn’t have room for any more private jets last year!

Figures from Taylor Wimpey España show that it is German buyers who are taking a keen interest in Mallorca, with a cumulative increase of 200% so far in 2015. The exclusive Camp de Mar Beach development at Puerto Andratx, where two and three bedroom townhouses are set in lush communal gardens with a large modern swimming pool, is one of the island’s most exciting developments, with buyers able to personalize their purchase in order to create their dream home. Prices start from €377,000.

Dutch buyers are also a key market for Mallorca over the months and years ahead, having grown significantly in number over the last two years, so much so in fact that Taylor Wimpey España has just launched a Dutch language version of its website.

Of course Mallorca also remains popular with British buyers and the forthcoming Pensions Freedom Day is expected to make it even more so, as Marc Pritchard concludes,

“Mallorca has long been a popular location for British buyers wanting second homes due to the island’s fantastic climate, stunning scenery and the wide range of sailing and water based activities available here. With Pensions Freedom Day on the horizon, we expect that even more Brits will look to use their pension monies early to purchase their dream holiday home in this island paradise.”

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.

Spanish property portal Kyero.com reports record month with unique enquiries up 93%

Spanish property portal Kyero.com reports record month with unique enquiries up 93%

by Louise Spain ,
  • Soaring enquiry levels makes January 2015 record month for Kyero.com
  • Unique enquirers up by 93%, enquiries 90%, page views 26% and visitors 10% (Kyero.com)
  • €6.05 billion spent on property by non-Spaniards in first 9 months of 2014 (Ministry of Public Works)

Leading Spanish property portal, Kyero.com, which lists more than 175,000 homes from 2,500 estate agents, has seen a huge surge in enquiries during 2015, with January representing the company’s biggest ever month.

Unique enquirers on the portal were up by 93%, enquiries by 90%, page views by 26% and visitors by 10%, as foreign buyers rush to take advantage of bargain Spanish property prices while the market has bottomed out.

Kyero’s Director, Martin Dell, comments,

“Foreign interest in Spain has been slowly creeping up for a few years, but in the last 12 months we have seen a massive resurgence of purchasers from overseas, as buyers look to pick up bargain properties. More foreign buyers are using Kyero to find more properties in Spain that ever before and we are expecting February 2015 to be just as strong as record breaking January.”

Indeed Spain and its Balearic Islands have long been favourite holiday destinations – just last month they were revealed as two of the top three destinations in terms of booking numbers by holiday specialists On The Beach – and it seems that for a growing number of holidaymakers now is the perfect time to buy that second home in the Spanish sunshine.

Figures from the Ministry of Public Works show that non-Spaniards spent €6.05 billion on Spanish property during the first nine months of 2014, an increase of 30% on the same period the year before. The number of dwellings purchased was up by 27%, to 40,338, indicating that foreigners are also spending more per property than they were during 2013.

In fact, foreign buyers accounted for some 13% of all homes sold in Spain during 2014, according to the country’s property registrars. The British led the charge, accounting for 17% of foreign purchases during the year.

The Valencia, Andalusia and Catalonia regions were the most popular, according to the Ministry of Public Works. All three regions feature fantastic bargains currently, based on Kyero’s listings. A two bedroom apartment with sea views in Gandia, Valencia, can be had for just €68,000, while in Andalusia €99,000 is enough for a three bedroom house in the country in Iznajar, Cordoba.

As one might expect, Catalonia commands something of a greater price premium, but even there bargains are still plentiful. A three bedroom villa with pool in L’Ampolla costs just €265,000, while in Barcelona itself a stunning two bedroom apartment with terrace can be had for €318,000 – a great deal considering the city is the most expensive in Spain (based on figures from Kyero’s Spanish House Price Index Q4 2014).

With prices only just beginning to rise again, 2015 is expected to be another bumper year so far as overseas buyers in Spain are concerned. As Martin Dell concludes,

“Not only have prices in Spain bottomed out so far as residential property has concerned, but for British buyers in particular now is the time to buy due to the fantastic exchange rate. Many are looking to purchase before prices rise too steeply and what they can get for their money right now really is incredible.”

To view properties across Spain available for sale and to keep up to date with the latest in Spanish property trends, visit www.kyero.com.

New coastal train set to open up Costa Blanca, bringing joy to property owners across the region

New coastal train set to open up Costa Blanca, bringing joy to property owners across the region

by Louise Spain
  • New rail route being considered for Alicante region
  • Tren de la Costa will cost €955 million
  • Townhouses on the Costa Blanca available from €145,000 (Taylor Wimpey España)

It is common knowledge that when the crisis struck, builders across Spain downed tools, leaving the country with a swathe of unfinished housing. But it wasn’t just developers who paused in their endeavours – infrastructure projects also suffered.

Now, with more positive economic times on the horizon, one such project is being revisited by the Spanish government. The ‘Tren de la Costa’ investment program would see rail network expansion throughout the Costa Blanca, enhancing the area’s accessibility even further. Though the plans were paused during the crisis, work was still going on in the background, with the total cost of the project being reduced significantly from €1.3 billion to €955 million.

The four phases of the Tren de la Costa would revolutionise the Costa Blanca’s rail network and make transportation from Alicante-Elche airport across the province easier and faster. Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director of one of the homebuilders who did carry on successfully building throughout Spain’s recession, Taylor Wimpey España, comments,

“At the moment we see a lot of travellers who fly into Alicante using hire cars to explore the region. While that is a great way to see this beautiful area, not all holidaymakers want the expense and hassle of hiring a vehicle as part of their time away, so the proposed railway plans are excellent news for the Alicante region.”

Taylor Wimpey España has a number of extremely popular developments in the Costa Blanca. All but three of its luxurious townhouses at Montesol have sold, while only two remain available at nearby Calpesol. Prices are from €249,000 and €179,500 respectively.

Those looking for key ready properties will be delighted with the stunning, south facing townhouses at Brisas de Alenda Golf, where prices start at €145,000. As well as boasting frontline golf properties, the site features private gardens, a generously proportioned communal swimming pool and is only 15 minutes from the golden sands for which Alicante is famous. The townhouses are spread across two floors and include generous terraces and gardens perfect for outdoor living. Stunning views over the golf course and the Sierra de las Aguilas Mountains complete the idyllic atmosphere.

The presence of the proposed rail route is tipped to impact positively on property prices in the Alicante region and those looking to buy there are keeping a close eye on the local news for further developments. The work will also see parts of the tram network modernised, as well as improvements to existing single line rail routes.

While approval of the scheme is still some way off, the fact that it is being considered is a positive step forward for Spain as it continues down the road of economic recovery.

For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España today on 08000 121 020 or visit www.taylorwimpeyspain.com. Those residing outside of the UK should call 0034 971 70 69 72.